PathFinder

August 1, 2014

Gr 5 Up-This companion to the series set seven years later, tells the story of Pathfinder Alice TodHunter Moon (Tod). It opens with her first MidSummer Circle, when the 12-year-old and the other Pathfinders of age revel in their legacy-a story told by Dan, Tod's father and leader of the Pathfinders. Tragedy soon follows when he disappears while fishing, and she is forced to live with her wicked Aunt Mitza, who soon plans to get rid of Tod. Luckily, her friend Oskar alerts her and helps her escape, which is when the real adventure begins. A dizzying number of characters brings this tale across its 12 parts. Kidnappings, Darke Magyk, secret passages, sailing ships, message rats, and creatures of all sorts pack the pages, taking readers along. Not surprisingly, all of the characters meet up by means of hubs that slip time and space and reveal Tod's purpose. Fans of the first series will certainly delight as characters familiar and new go on new adventures and reveal new mythologies.-Stacy Dillon, LREI, New York City

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2014
With the help of ExtraOrdinary Wizard Septimus Heap, 12-year-old Alice TodHunter "Tod" Moon must learn to navigate the Ancient Ways of the PathFinder in order to find her missing father and save her people. Armed with the PathFinder, a Magykal compass, Tod must rescue her friend, Ferdie, from the evil Lady, find her missing father, and do what she can to defeat Darke Sorcerer Oraton-Marr. However, she quickly realizes that saving the world is not a one-person job; she will need the help of friends, family and some very Magykal people if she is to succeed in her quest. Thankfully, what she lacks in experience she makes up for in bravery and loyalty. Filled with Magykal spells, mysterious artifacts and strange creatures, Tod's adventure is set seven years after the original Septimus Heap series and is both a reunion with familiar characters and an introduction to new ones. Humorous banter, genuine friendships, and distinctive, well-realized settings elevate this story above others of its genre. Readers unfamiliar with the original series may find themselves lost at times, but the strength of Sage's storytelling will carry them through. Zug's black-and-white drawings accompany the text. An exciting reunion with a favorite series. (Fantasy. 8-12)

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September 1, 2014
Grades 4-7 The Septimus Heap universe expands to include this new trilogy based on a minor character introduced in Fyre (2013). Twelve-year-old Alice Tod TodHunter Moon uses her newly discovered talents as a PathFinder to help Septimus Heap and his allies free kidnapped villagers and attempt to thwart the evil Oraton-Marr's plans to steal the invaluable Egg of the Great Orm. There's no need to read the Heap series first, though fans will welcome this new adventure, which is situated in familiar environs and populated by beloved charactersincluding a few destined to be new favorites. The writing, as always, is seamless, warm, and inventive, and angsty moments are balanced by reassurances, making it appropriate for a younger-than-usual Heap audience. In fact, this would work as a read-aloud for as young as kindergarten or first grade. Sage's skill at foreshadowing intriguing things to come should provoke both listeners and readers to seek out whatever comes next. Final art not seen. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Heap always gets heaps of publicity, and the plan for this series starter includes videos, interactive websites, e-mail alerts, and much more.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)